Suds For Spud

Think things can’t get any weirder? Along comes a microbrew for mutts.

By Rose Cahalan

Published: March 28, 2016

Illustration by Ashley Horsley

It sounds like a sketch from Portlandia: locally sourced, handcrafted, artisanal beer—for dogs. Yes, we’ve officially reached peak Austin with the arrival of YoDog Snackery and its nonalcoholic canine beers. Brewed with malted barley, fresh herbs and meat stock made from scratch, this unconventional treat is the creation of dog lovers Nikole Sturm, who also works as a traveling notary, and her wife, Emily Trussell, a veteran of a K-9 unit in the Air Force.

The couple spotted a similar product while visiting Denver last year and decided to bring the concept to the capital city. They then spent months honing recipes in their kitchen before launching last November. With cheeky names like Spaniel Adams, O’Drools and Pups Blue Ribbon, these chicken-, beef- and turkey-flavored beverages ($11.99 for a 16-ounce bottle) are flying off the shelves at pet shops around town. (In fact, the first two stores I visited were sold out.)

The company also sells dog jerky made with leftovers from the brewing process. While they take efficiency and quality seriously, Sturm and Trussell also embrace the silly side of their business. “Usually we get the response, ‘That’s hilarious,’” Sturm laughs. “I hope we can encourage people to let loose and just have a beer with their furry buds.” Our canine tester happily lapped up an entire bottle and begged for more.